You must have heard severally that to study in Canada, you need to provide an IELTS test score to prove your proficiency in the English language. That is right to an extent, but admission requirement differs among institutions. While most institutions would require you to submit an IELTS score, others would either request an alternative test score such as the TOEFL or wave it for prospects from countries where English is the first language or for students who studied in Institutions where the English language was the primary means of communication.
What is IELTS? It means the International English Language Testing System, a standardized language assessment examination recognized globally and used by universities to test the language skills of potential international students. This assessment exam is split into four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students obtain their overall score in all four sections after the three-hour test. With all these being said, I want you to know it is possible to study to get your Bachelor’s degree, Master’s or PhD in Canada without sitting for the IELTS.
Universities in Canada adopt different methods in assessing their potential students’ fundamental English abilities. Some universities request a Letter of Recommendation from any of the students’ previous academic institutions. Some other universities accept other English Language proficiency tests as alternatives to IELTS. There are some countries that are excluded from providing their English Language proficiency scores since English is the native language.
Note: Not all Universities accept IELTS alternatives. While some other universities have their own assessment exam. It is important to check out the aspired school’s website to get more information.
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List of Universities in Canada that Accept IELTS Alternatives
The following institutions of learning in Canada, accept other English proficiency tests asides from the IELTS:
• Cambrian University
• University of Winnipeg
• Concordia University
• Brock University
• McGill University
• Brandon University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Okanagan College
• Seneca College, Toronto
• Algoma University
• University of Guelph
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Carleton University
• University of Regina
Cambrian University
This university accepts other IELTS alternatives like TOEFL, DET, PTE, e.t.c . Students are tested on their English language proficiency upon arrival on campus and those who fall short are made to take up English Language courses before their selected program begins.
University of Winnipeg
This university has its own English Language Program (ELP) which must be completed and passed successfully before the beginning of the chosen program.
Concordia University
This university accepts either:
i. Your score from any of these tests: DET, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL Assessment, CAE, CPE.
ii. Proof that you have studied for at least four (4) years in a school where English is their official language.
iii. Their Intensive English Language Program (IELP) must be completed before the commencement of your course of study.
iv. Completed International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Although, the condition is not the same for every candidate.
Brock University
This university accepts:
i. Your score from any of these tests: MELAB, YELT, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL.
ii. Completed International Baccalaureate Diploma
iii. Their Intensive English Language Program (IELP) must be completed before the commencement of your course of study.
iv. Proof that education was offered in the English Language at any of your previous institutions
University of Saskatchewan
This university accepts other alternatives to IELTS, DET, TOEFL, CanTest, CAEL Assessment amongst others. Students who cannot provide their proficiency in the English Language can offer the U-PREP program at the university’s Language Centre.
Okanagan College
For this university, the only alternative to IELTS they accept is the DET score. Language requirements depend on the program to be offered.
Seneca College
This university accepts scores in TOEFL, PTE, CAEL Assessment, Cambridge English Exams. Either Candidates must have gone through an intensive English study program from institutes like English Language Institute or completed a two-year study of English Language at an English Language academic institution.
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
This university accepts scores in TOEFL, DET, CAEL Assessment, Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), PTE, CanTest, MELAB. Candidates can also offer the Intensive English Program(IEP) provided by the university.
Carleton University
This university accepts TOEFL, PTE, CAEL Assessment. Candidates can also show that they have completed a full-time study for at least, three years at any academic institution with English as their official language.
University of Regina
This university accepts DET, TOEFL, CAEL Assessment. TOEFL iBT is also accepted. The difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL is that the former is internet-based and four hours long while TOEFL is paper-based and three hours long.
List of Alternative English Proficiency Tests Acceptable by Canadian Institutions
i. The following are a list of alternative English Language proficiency tests that are acceptable by most Canadian Institutions:
• Duolingo English Test
• CanTest (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainee)
• TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
• PTE (Pearson English Language Test)
• CAEL Assessment (Canadian Assessment English Language)
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Program: It takes about six(6) months to complete the duration of this program.
Other Waivers/Alternatives to the English Proficiency Test
i. In Canada, candidates from English-speaking countries are exempted from providing their IELTS scores.
ii. You can submit evidence that you have studied for at least four (4) years in a school where English is their official language.
Conclusion: Final Words
You can start your dream study in Canada without taking the IELTS. If you are from a country where English is the native language or you had your last four years of study in an academic setting where English is the primary means of communication, you might be eligible to request a language test waiver from the international admissions office of your school.
You can also choose to go for alternative tests which are cheaper and readily accessible. For instance, the Duolingo test can be taken online, and at an affordable rate.
